Jigawa ADC Fumes Over Omission of Deputy Governorship Candidate from INEC List

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Jigawa State is raising alarm over the exclusion of its deputy governorship candidate, Aminu Ringim, from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) final list for the 2027 general elections.

Ringim's name was conspicuously absent from the list released by INEC, which instead featured Musa Ya’u Balarabe as the running mate for the ADC governorship candidate, Sabo Muhammad Nakudu. Ringim confirmed the omission but refrained from commenting, directing inquiries to party officials.

An investigation by PUNCH Online revealed that the final list displayed at INEC’s headquarters in Dutse showed discrepancies that the party is now contesting. Deputy State Chairman Nuraddeen Jidawa confirmed the omission, stating, “Aminu Ibrahim Ringim remains the officially submitted running mate to our gubernatorial candidate.”

Jidawa expressed frustration over the absence of Ringim and seven other candidates endorsed by the party, emphasizing that the ADC does not recognize the released list as final. “We will pursue the matter through legal channels,” he asserted, insisting on adherence to constitutional guidelines.

The ADC is concerned that the omission could destabilize not only its standing in Jigawa State but also its broader national presence. Jidawa accused INEC of acting with intent to undermine the party’s electoral prospects.

He vowed to continue engaging INEC over the issue and called on party members and supporters to remain united during this challenging time. “We believe this is a deliberate attempt to destabilize our party,” he added.

In response, Adamu Sawaba, head of Voter Education and Publicity at INEC Jigawa, stated that the list posted is final. He acknowledged receiving complaints about certain candidates but reiterated that any grievances should be resolved through the courts.

“The list we displayed is conclusive for the upcoming elections,” Sawaba affirmed, advising aggrieved parties to seek judicial recourse. He suggested that the issue might be linked to party membership registration concerns as outlined in the Electoral Act.

As tensions rise within the ADC, party officials are mobilizing efforts to rectify the situation and ensure that their candidates are represented on the ballot come election day.